What is a bar code?
A bar code is a digital graphic of a number used to identify different products. Before bar codes came along vendors still used numbers to identify their products. So bar codes are a technological convenience for vendors to track and inventory their products by being able to scan the product number directly into their computer. This is a major time saver. The numbers of a bar code on a typical music product would be: the first six digits usually identify the record label, the next four would identify the product itself, the eleventh digit identifies the product type (like CD, cassette, etc.) and the last digit is a check digit which validates the number itself.

Why do I need a bar code on my CD?
The distribution and retail end of the music business use bar codes to track and inventory the products they are handling. The bar code is a digital representation of the catalog number identifying the product. Vendors don't want to handle products without bar codes because they don't want to manually type in this number for every product that doesn't have one. It simply takes too long and the product isn't taken seriously if it is not retail ready. Nowadays a product is not considered retail ready without a bar code.

Is it absolutely necessary to have a bar code?
Not at all. It definitely won't make the CD sound any better. Here are some reasons you wouldn't need to bother with a bar code :

1. Your CD is for demo purposes only.
2. You are just going to give or sell it to friends.
3. You just want to sell them at your shows.
4. You're just selling them on your web site.
5. You're selling them at a local retailer that doesn't require one.

Can I use a fake bar code?
You could if you were just using it for looks. If you actually tried to make up or copy someone else's bar code and then tried to actually use it, then you would run into problems. The scanning of the bar code would either read an error or someone else's album. You wouldn't want someone else to get credit or paid for your album sale. Plus, vendors won't handle a product with an invalid bar code.

Who shows up on the SoundScan reports?
The artist and album title show up along with Independent Records as the parent label. However, you can include your own label as the sub label on the SoundScan registration form.

Why use Independent Records?
Independent Records is a record label that is made up of an association of artists independently releasing their own products. The artists have full control of their release and are in effect their own executive producer. They control all artistic, financial, and business decisions for their project. There are no record label politics to deal with and artists can also use their own label or production company in association with Independent Records. They can basically do what they want and be on a record label at the same time (that doesn't happen often). Being on Independent Records will also give your album more credibility. It won't just be the bands own label with one release on it. A catalog list is available on request.

What if my CDs are already manufactured?
We have stickers you can put right on the back of your CDs.

What about short runs?
You can approach this either by using the stickers as you get them printed, or if you're using full artwork on your short runs then you would use the bar code graphic the same way you would on full orders.

Can I use the bar code I have on my first album for my second album?
No. Each bar code is a catalog number for each specific release. If you did that your second album would scan up as your first album. Even different album formats of the same release have different numbers. We have separate options for these situations. If you're putting out a three format release (CD, cassette, vinyl) then contact us for that option.

What about videos, vinyl, etc.?
They can also be registered. There are options for multiple format releases.

If I register my CD with Independent Records do you have any legal rights to it?
No. You keep complete control of your CD. However, the bar code is the property of Independent Records. That is because the Independent Records vendor code from the UCC is built into the bar code.

What obligations do I have if I register with Independent Records?
Your agreement with Independent Records is non-exclusive. Your only obligations are in the handling of the bar code, and inclusion of the Independent Records logo somewhere on the tray card. Your album can still be released again without the Independent Records bar code, so once you register it doesn't mean that the particular album is tied to Independent Records, only the bar code is. If you wanted to remove the album from the label you would just print up the next batch without the Independent Records logo, or put a sticker over the existing Independent Records bar codes on albums that are already printed. We also ask that you contact us when you want your release off of our catalog.

Besides the fee for registration onto the label, is there anything else that will be owned, owed or paid to you if the product is sold in stores, at shows, licensed to commercials/movies or the like, or used in any other way?
Absolutely not. You keep all ownership, copyrights, licenses, publishing, profits and/or royalties from your release. The only thing you pay is for the particular release to be on the label. That's it.

Do I have to sell my CDs or product through Independent Records?
No. Sell them any way you like.

If I have my own record label can I still register with Independent Records?
Yes. And you can put both labels on the back. This is not uncommon to have two labels in association with each other. For instance, Independent Records could act as the distributing label.

Can I sign on with another record label while being registered with Independent Records?
Yes. Actually you as an artist or band are not under any contract with Independent Records (we would be happy to see you get signed). It's simply your album releases that get registered. You can also sign them over to any record label you choose.

How long is the term of the registration?
It lasts as long as you are using the bar code and number on your release.

Isn't selling bar codes illegal?
Actually there isn't a law that forbids it. It's a matter of the UCC's policy which states that, you as a vendor, having your own code assigned by the UCC, are not allowed to sell, lend, lease, rent, or give away your bar code. That's why Independent Records does not sell bar codes. The artist or band registers their product with Independent Records so that it is released under the Independent Records label. We are an actual record label that releases the product for the independent artist.

Couldn't I get my own bar code?
Yes. You would have to start your own record label, then fill out the registration forms with the UCC. The application fee is about $750. The UCC would then assign you a vendor code that you would use to make up your own bar codes. The cost and the hassle of this is the reason for starting Independent Records. Most independent artists don't want to bother investing in registering for a vendor code for their made up record label if they are not even sure that their next album will come out on that same label. Who wants to spend that much time and money for every label they may start up.

Do you have to be from the US to use Independent Record's service?
Not at all. Actually it's a good way for foreign and US bands to get their material into the US market.

If I already have my CDs printed when I register with Independent Records and get the stickers, should I have the graphics included in my artwork before printing another batch once I sell all of my current CDs?
That would be the best thing to do. Before the point of reordering your CDs, you would want to contact us with your bar code number. We would then e-mail you the bar code graphic along with the logo graphic for you to include in your CD artwork for your next batch. You would not have to pay us again for e-mailing you the graphics simply because you already paid for this registration. At this point we are not charging processing fees.

I'm trying to load up my cd cover how do i do it?
You can upload your CD cover by going to your artist administration area at https://www.indierec.com/l-login.php and clicking the details button next to the release you wish to update. If you have any other questions regarding our services feel free to send me an email.